Egypt denounces Israeli military actions in Rafah

Therefore, Cairo called on Israel to exercise utmost restraint and avoid pursuing a policy of brinkmanship that could have a long-term impact and abort the efforts exerted to reach a sustainable truce in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday against the Israeli military actions in the Palestinian city of Rafah and the subsequent Israeli takeover of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the recent escalation poses a significant threat to over a million Palestinians who rely predominantly on this crossing for their livelihood.

It was also stressed that the Rafah border crossing is vital as the primary lifeline for the Gaza Strip, providing a safe passage for the injured to access medical treatment and allowing crucial humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza.

The statement also called on all influential international parties to intervene, pressure against escalating the current crisis, and allow diplomatic efforts to achieve their desired results.

Early Tuesday, Israel sent tanks into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and took control of the Palestinian side of the border crossing with Egypt.

On Monday, the foreign ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s around-the-clock communication with all parties to prevent the situation from worsening or spiraling out of control.

Egypt, which borders Rafah and has a peace treaty with Israel, and Qatar, a US ally and a home to Hamas leaders, have taken the lead in the ceasefire negotiations.

Israel, whose brutal war on Gaza has continued for seven months, is facing growing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.